SDN: April 7, 2026

Council members consider no parking near ballfields, shopping center

(Seguin) -- There may soon be some on-street parking restrictions near Matador Legends Ballpark at Seguin High School. The new baseball and softball complex has drawn larger crowds to that area, with many fans parking on both sides of College Street.

The Seguin City Council is expected to approve an ordinance that creates a No Parking Zone from Lamar Street to State Highway 123 Bypass for the north side of College Street. The south side would remain open for parking, and there’s more off-street parking available at the high school.

Parking on both sides of the street was becoming a challenge. City Engineer Melissa Reynolds explained the situation during the council’s last meeting. She says there’s plenty of off-street parking in that area.

“When the school came in with their proposal for these fields, they were not required to add parking because they have adequate parking in the parking lots (nearby). They have a lot here, a lot here, and a lot here. But because there is no parking restriction along College (Street) and the entrance is on College, they would rather

park in front rather than park in the lots,” said Reynolds. Council members are also considering amending the parking designation for another increasingly popular location in town. The council will consider a proposal calling for No Parking Zones to be created for both sides of Larkin Drive and Jay Road near the new shopping center that includes Academy and Hobby Lobby. The increased traffic in that area is one of the reasons for the proposed parking changes.

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. today at Seguin City Hall.

County may set timeline for completion of Major Thoroughfare Plan

(Seguin) -- The road map to finalizing plans for a Major Thoroughfare Plan for Guadalupe County may be unveiled today. The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court has discussed this issue for months now, but the completion of the plan has been delayed while members of the court and the public struggle with what roads should or should not be included in any future plan. The required plan tries to look

into the future transportation needs of the county. That often includes showing roadways in areas where none currently exist, which can upset property owners when they see drafts of the map. The court today is not set to adopt a plan, but instead it will try to approve a timeline to finalize the thoroughfare plan and to schedule a public hearing on that final draft.

In other business, the court is set to approve several proclamations

recognizing several special designations this month. This includes Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, National Sexual Assault Prevention Month, National Crime Victims Week, Telecommunicators Week, and Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week.

The commissioners court meeting begins at 10 a.m. today at the Guadalupe County Courthouse.

Support, continued.

“You start to question yourself like, ‘well, I mean, I was flirting with them or I was doing this.’ So, it’s trying to help…let them know that no can happen at any time. You can change your mind at any time. So, making sure that they’re aware that any action you did prior to that doesn’t mean it -- like at any time that you feel like you don’t want to do that anymore. That (removal of) that consent can happen at any time. So just making sure that we’re able to let them…know that they’re not alone and we’re standing there with them, (and) that your wardrobe choice is not your consent. Like I said, just any given time in the moment, you can change your mind. You may have been okay with it in the beginning, and then you changed your mind,” said Evans.

Director of Strategic Advancement Bonnie Ramirez says a large number of sexual assaults are not reported because of the way that society sometimes views these cases. She says they want to use this month to raise awareness that these cases are happening and that they should not be ignored.

“About every 70 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted -- 70 seconds, that’s crazy. And then every nine minutes, that someone is a child. Let that soak in. It’s happening. And then just to think, a lot of sexual assault cases aren’t even reported. So, these statistics are really not completely true, because of all the ones that they’re scared, they feel guilty, they’re embarrassed, and they don’t report it or they don’t know what to do. They blame themselves, (and) they don’t know people like us exist,” said Ramirez.

Evans says if you think that you’ve been sexually assaulted, you need to say something. She says that’s one of the reasons why Thriving Hearts Crisis Center exists.

“There’s that manipulation and fear that is instilled in there. And I think a lot of it, especially in these rural areas that we’re in, sometimes it might be somebody that everybody knows. So, it’s got that embarrassment piece to it. It’s got if someone has power that is doing it, you have that, or if they’re well known in the community. It’s

very, very hard to go up against that person. I think it’s even more needed in these areas to know that like even if you don’t need emergency shelter, know that we’re here for non-residential support too. We’re here to help you connect to other resources. We’re here to help you with counseling. Whatever support that we can do for you, you don’t have to come for the emergency shelter. We have ways of helping you every step of the way,” said Evans.

Ramirez says talking about this not only raises the awareness levels of the community, but it also hopefully opens up new resources to those who have been victimized. She says too often those people shoulder that burden alone, or they blame themselves for ending up in a bad situation.

“Forgiving themselves, that’s something that some of our survivors struggle with. Was this my fault? Did I deserve this? Is it because I wore this? Is it because, you know, I went out on a date with them? No, if you said no, at any point, if you said stop, if you were uncomfortable about anything, and you told them, stop or no, guess what? That right there is your consent, you did not consent. And we are available here every step of the way to help them through this very unfortunate journey that they’re going to be going through, but we want to do our part and we strive to provide immediate services for healing, for safety, for hope, in whatever form that might come in,” said Ramirez.

Despite the discomfort that this subject can bring to people, Ramirez says it’s important to continue to have the conversations.

“Being able to open this dialogue amongst ourselves, even though it’s a really ugly topic to talk about, uncomfortable. The raw reality is that it happens and it happens right here in our very own communities. We are not immune to it,” said Ramirez.

Thriving Hearts Crisis Center offers services 24/7 each day and 365 days each year. Those in need of support can go online to www.thrivingheartscc.org

The crisis center is also making plans for its Denim Day event, which also aims to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The free local event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, in Central Park.

Navarro Panthers and Lady Panthers to christen new baseball/softball complex

(Seguin) -- The Navarro Panthers and Lady Panthers will christen the new baseball and softball complex at Navarro High School on Tuesday.

The Lady Panthers will host San Antonio Kennedy in the first game. Navarro leads Kennedy by one game for the fourth and final playoff spot in District 28-4A. A win by the Lady Panthers on Tuesday will clinch a playoff spot for Navarro. First pitch between the Lady Panthers and Lady Rockets is set for 7 p.m.

The Panther baseball team hosts La Vernia looking for a two-game sweep of the Bears. The Panthers beat the Bears 11-7 in La Vernia on Thursday. The win created a three-way tie for first place in District 28-4A. Navarro, La Vernia, and the Cuero Gobblers are all 4-1 in district play.

Navarro and La Vernia will meet again Tuesday at the new Navarro High School in the first baseball game ever played there. We will have that game on KWED. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. Our Panther baseball pregame coverage will start at 6:45 from the new Navarro High School on AM 1580 and streaming at SeguinToday.com.

(San Antonio) -– The Marion Bulldogs, in first place in District 27-3A, are at Great Hearts Northern Oaks on Tuesday.

Marion earned a 10-0 run-rule victory on the road at Randolph on

Thursday to improve to 6-0 in district. Marion’s win, along with Jourdanton’s loss to Cole on Thursday, moved the Bulldogs into sole possession of first place in District 27-3A. The Bulldogs will play at Great Hearts Northern Oaks on Tuesday with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

(Marion) -– The Marion Lady Bulldog softball team will get back to district play at home on Tuesday.

The Lady Bulldogs crushed New Braunfels Thunder 13-4 in a non-district game on Thursday. Marion will host San Antonio Cole on Tuesday. First pitch takes place at 7 p.m. at Marion High School.

(Seguin) -– The Seguin Lady Matadors, 9-0 in District 27-5A, host San Antonio Edison on Tuesday.

The Lady Mats have already wrapped up a playoff berth. Tuesday’s game against Edison is their final home game of the season, and it will be Senior Night at Matador Legends Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

(Seguin) –- The Seguin baseball team also hosts Edison on Tuesday.

The Matadors are 8-0 in district and 20-8 overall. First pitch between Seguin and Edison is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Legends Ballpark.

Plastics Chemical Tied To Preterm Births

(New York, NY) -- New research shows a common chemical used in plastics is linked to nearly two million premature births per year. A research team from NYU Langone Health estimates that of nearly two million premature births recorded globally in 2018, eight percent were linked to maternal exposure of Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate. The researchers noted that about 74-thousand of those newborns died. DEHP can break down to microscopic particles that people may inhale or ingest in water or food. The study’s lead author said reducing exposure could help prevent early births and other serious health problems.

Study: Drinking May Triple Risk Of Serious Liver Condition

(Los Angeles CA) -- A new study shows even the occasional drink could triple the risk of a serious liver condition. Researchers at the University of Southern California say just one night of binge drinking a month was tied to a threefold jump in advanced liver fibrosis in people with underlying metabolic liver disease. According to the American Liver Foundation, the condition happens in the advanced stage of chronic liver disease due to a buildup of significant scar tissue from long-term inflammation. The study also found younger adults and men were more likely to binge drink raising their risk of liver damage.

USDA Warns Of Lead Risk In Frozen Chicken Nuggets

(Washington, DC) -- Food safety officials are warning the public to not eat certain frozen chicken nuggets after tests found dangerous levels of lead. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for dinosaur shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets sold under the Great Value brand at Walmart. A recall was not issued because the nuggets are no longer being sold, but official say some may still be in people’s freezers. The alert applies to 29-ounce bags of “Great Value fully cooked dino shaped chicken breast nuggets” with a best if used by date of February 10th, 2027. The USDA said the nuggets were produced February 10th and shipped to Walmart stores nationally.

Biological Age Home Test Kits

(Chicago, IL) -- You may think you know how old you are, but longevity experts say that’s not necessarily the case. Sure, you know you were born on “X” date and how many times you’ve celebrated your birthday, but it’s what’s happening at the cellular level that gives you your true age. Now, there are direct-to-consumer test kits for that which determine your biological age based on wear and tear on your body. Dr. Douglas Vaughan, the director of the Longevity Institute at Northwestern University’s School Of Medicine, says biological test kits can figure out health span which is the number of years you’re likely to live without developing a chronic disease. Some tests are saliva-based, while others are blood-based. They’re all pricey though, ranging from three-hundred to five-hundred-dollars online.

GCCAC Golf Tournament to Benefit Children’s Advocacy Center

The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will host its annual golf tournament fundraiser on Thursday, April 16 at The Bandit Golf Course. The 4-person scramble begins with registration at 7:30 a.m. and an 8:30 a.m. start. The event will also feature opportunities for prizes, including a hole-in-one contest, along with food, drinks, and activities throughout the day. For more information, visit gccac. net.

Job Fair Planned at New Braunfels Food Bank Area residents looking for employment opportunities are invited to attend a Job Fair hosted by the New Braunfels Food Bank and Workforce Solutions Alamo. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the New Braunfels Food Bank, 1620 S. Seguin Ave. in New Braunfels. Job seekers will have the opportunity to connect with multiple local employers who are actively hiring. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and dress professionally.

Seguin Art League Announces April Events, Classes & Deadlines

The Seguin Art League is hosting a series of upcoming events and classes throughout April, along with a deadline for its annual High School Art Show. Art in Action, a community-wide live art event, will take place April 11 to 12, with finished works displayed April 14 to 24. A Needle Felted Landscapes workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 18, followed by an Ink and Watercolor Landscapes class from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 29, both at the Seguin Art League Gallery. Entries for the Annual High School Art Show are due from 4 to 6 p.m. April 30 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church McKeogh Hall, with an awards reception set for May 2. Classes have limited space and require registration. For details, entry forms, and registration information, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-305-0472.

Pantherpalooza Kids & Family Expo

Navarro ISD will host Pantherpalooza, a Kids and Family Expo, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Navarro Intermediate School. The free event will feature family resources, student organizations, local businesses, games, food trucks and information about summer recreation and student job opportunities. For details or vendor information, visit navarroisd.us/pantherpalooza.

Child Abuse Awareness Fundraiser: Fiesta of Heroes and Villains

An 8th annual Child Abuse Awareness fundraiser, “Fiesta of Heroes and Villains,” will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Comal County Sheriff’s Posse, 3826 Morningside Drive in New Braunfels. Hosted by Guardians of the Children Hill Country Chapter, the event will include a fun run, bike show, silent auction, raffle drawing, vendor booths, and a free bike giveaway for youth. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero or villain. Proceeds will benefit Guardians of the Children, a nonprofit organization supporting abused children.

Navarro ISD to Host Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup

Families with young children are invited to learn more about enrolling in Navarro ISD during the district’s upcoming Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup events at Navarro Elementary School in Geronimo. Pre-K Roundup will be held from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, followed by Kindergarten Roundup from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21. Parents will have the opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms and speak with district representatives about transportation, child nutrition and special education services while learning about the enrollment process for the 2026-27 school year. Children must be 4 years old for Pre-K and 5 years old for Kindergarten by Sept. 1, 2026. For details and required documents, visit navarroisd. us/roundup.

Pachanga 2026 to Benefit Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín

The Center for Mexican American Studies and the Mexican American Student Association at Texas Lutheran University are inviting the community to Pachanga 2026, a free fundraiser supporting Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 17 at the TLU Alumni Plaza. The evening will include a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and live music featuring Llamativa, DJ Navarro, Mariachi AJB, the Seguin Starlettes, and Danza Guadalupana. The event is free and open to all ages.

Wildlife Association annual meeting

The Guadalupe County Wildlife Management Association will hold its

annual Spring Meeting on April 17 at the Texas Agriculture Education & Heritage Center (Big Red Barn), 250 Corodova Road in Seguin. The meeting begins with a social hour at 6 p.m., with the dinner meeting set to begin at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in Guadalupe county wildlife management is encouraged to attend. Dinner cost $15. RSVP by sending an email to RSVP:GuadalupeCountyWMA@gmail. com.

Small Business Unite Symposium Coming to Northeast Lakeview College

The Texas Tri-County Chamber of Commerce will host the Small Business Unite Symposium on April 17–18 at Northeast Lakeview College in Paluxy Hall in Universal City. The two-day event is open to entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and community leaders. The symposium will feature business education sessions, networking opportunities, industry panels, and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification included with registration. Registration is now open at busines.txtricountychamber.org.

Field of Honor BBQ fundraiser

Seguin Field of Honor will have a BBQ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Cash America Pawn, located at 1111 E. Court St. The plates are $12 each and consist of half a chicken, cowboy potatoes, beans and trimmings. Presale tickets are available from committee members, or call Connie at 830-243-2872.

SW Prep PTO hosts Bingo Night Fundraiser

The Southwest Preparatory School PTO is hosting a game night fundraiser to help build a new playground for students at the Seguin charter school. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 in the Southwest Preparatory School Cafeteria, located at 2400 E. Walnut St. Entry is $10 and includes a game book. Tickets will be available at the door or from any PTO member. Students in 6th grade and up may participate, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Texans Reaching Out 2026

Come one, come y’all to celebrate in true Texas style at St. Andrew’s “Texans Reaching Out” on Friday, April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the church parish hall, 201 E. Nolte. The event features a lip-smackin’ fish fry by Johnny’s BBQ and music by The Magpies! You’ll also enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a handheld dessert bar. Tickets are free of charge, but reservations are required. A collection will be taken to benefit the local and international outreach ministries of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Seating is limited so reserve prior to April 17 by calling the church office at 830.372.4330 or emailing secretary@ standrewseguin.org.

Seguin ISD Matador Family Bash

A Matador Family Bash will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 24 at Matador Stadium in Seguin. Hosted by Seguin ISD, the free event will feature games, concessions, and family activities. A movie showing of “Zootopia 2” will follow from 7 to 9 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows for the movie.

Geronimo Creek Spring Stream Cleanup

A spring stream cleanup for the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Partnership will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Volunteers in the Seguin area will meet at the Seguin ISD Outdoor Learning Center, located at 1865 E. U.S. Highway 90. Participants will help clean local waterways as part of a regional effort to improve water quality. Cleanup supplies will be provided, and a limited number of event T-shirts will be available for those who register. Free breakfast tacos and coffee will also be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance at geronimocreekwatershed.org.

World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day Celebration

A World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25 on the east lawn of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis St. in Seguin. Local practitioners will gather as part of a global event promoting peace, harmony, and wellness, joining others around the world during the same hour. The free event is open to all skill levels, including beginners and those who wish to observe and participate. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and water.

Denim Day Event Raises Awareness for Sexual Assault Prevention

The Thriving Hearts Crisis Center is inviting the community to take part in Denim Day, a special awareness event focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1

p.m. Wednesday, April 29 at Seguin Central Park, located at 201 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Community members are encouraged to attend, show support, and help raise awareness with the message that consent matters.

Evening with the Texas Rangers Set for April 30

The Seguin Heritage Museum is inviting the community to “An Evening with the Texas Rangers,” a special program featuring history and live entertainment. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Palace Theatre, located at 114 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Entertainment will be provided by Dottsy Dwyer and the Hudiburgs, with concessions available during the evening. Admission is $20. Tickets can be purchased online at seguinheritagemuseum.org or locally at the Seguin Heritage Museum, Parker’s City Pharmacy, and Gift and Gourmet.

Seguin Art League High School Art Show Now Accepting Entries

The Seguin Art League will host its 16th annual High School Art Show, with artwork submissions accepted from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at St. Andrew’s McKeogh Hall, located at 201 E. Nolte St. in Seguin. The show is open to all students in grades 9 through 12. Cash prizes will be awarded during a reception scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2. For more information and a prospectus, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-491-0778.

SHS students offer free tax help

Seguin ISD students are offering free tax preparation assistance through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The service is available from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 31 at the Seguin High School Library. The program is provided by IRS-certified students in the Seguin Independent School District Career and Technical Education business pathway and is open to individuals and families earning about $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Appointments are encouraged. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Helen Stamper at hstamper@seguin.k12.tx.us

Free Tax Help at Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University is offering free tax preparation assistance through its IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The clinic will be held Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through April 15 at the Beck Center on the Texas Lutheran University campus, 1020 Beck Drive in Seguin.

The service is provided at no cost by accounting students from Texas Lutheran University and is open to individuals and households earning $69,000 or less, as well as seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

Energy Assistance Available

The Community Council of South Central Texas is accepting applications for utility bill assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Funding is limited and available in select counties, including Guadalupe County. Apply online at ccsct.org/utility-assistance-apply-for-services/ and schedule an appointment with your county office. An appointment does not guarantee assistance.

Homestead Exemption Audit Process Begins for Property Owners

Property owners in Guadalupe County are being advised of a new requirement involving homestead exemptions. Under a new state law, appraisal districts across the state, including the Guadalupe Appraisal District, will begin conducting audits of homestead exemptions. As part of the process, property owners with an active homestead exemption may receive a notice asking them to reapply for the exemption every five years to verify eligibility. The appraisal district does not calculate taxes based on exemptions. Any tax adjustments will be handled by the Guadalupe County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office and reflected either in amended bills for previous years or on the current year’s tax bill issued in October. Property owners who receive a notice should follow the instructions provided by the Guadalupe Appraisal District.

To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.

Small steps to extend a car’s life expectancy

Vehicles continue to get more expensive. The automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book indicate the average American car buyer paid $50,080 for a new vehicle in September 2025, which was the first time the average price for a new car ever topped $50,000. More drivers are looking for ways to push their current vehicles past the 200,000-mile mark to save money.

According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of a vehicle on the road hit a record high of 12.8 years in 2025. Although major mechanical failures concern drivers of older vehicles, it’s actually much smaller things that can affect vehicle longevity. There are small actions anyone can take to significantly extend a car’s life.

• Use caution on cold starts. When a vehicle sits, oil settles at the bottom of the engine. To help combat damage that can occur, drivers can wait about 30 seconds before shifting into gear, as this will allow the oil pump to circulate the lubricant to the upper valve train and help prevent extra wear on the engine. Modern fuelinjected engines warm up faster and more safely

by being driven gently rather than sitting still, so it’s not necessary to idle for a long while with the vehicle in the driveway, says Smart Motors Toyota. In fact, long idles actually can strip away oil.

• Treat fluids wisely. According to EngineeringCivil.org, checking and replacing fluids is cheaper than replacing hardware. Recent data suggests that consistent oil changes can add between 50,000 and 100,000 miles to an engine’s lifespan. It’s important to follow a vehicle’s manual for time-based intervals for fluid replacement, rather than just going by mileage.

• Drive faster on occasion. Oil will never get hot enough to evaporate internal condensation for those who primarily drive short distances under 10 miles. Once every few weeks, it’s important for drivers to drive at least 20 minutes at highway speeds to help get rid of contaminants.

• Drive smoothly on roads. Aggressive driving will not just burn more gas; such driving also creates heat, which can impact longevity. According to Kia, hard braking generates immense heat that can warp rotors and stress

suspension bushings. Likewise, it’s key to ease into acceleration. Rapid acceleration forces the transmission to downshift abruptly, increasing wear. Reports from The Zebra, an insurance shopping company, indicate that mindful driving can reduce mechanical strain by up to 30 percent.

• Fight corrosion. Rust can kill a car before the engine actually fails. People who live in areas where roads are treated with salt in the winter should use a winter car wash that includes an undercarriage spray. Auto Recycling World says road salt can eat through brake lines and fuel lines. In addition, applying a coat of wax twice a year can prevent UV rays and other damage to the clear coat, which protects the metal body from the elements.

• Address engine lights promptly. CarMD says addressing a “check engine” light immediately is 20 percent cheaper than waiting until the vehicle has a driveability issue. For example, ignoring a $150 oxygen sensor can eventually destroy a $1,500 catalytic converter. Small habits can help prolong the longevity of vehicles and help people save money.